Putting into practice what is learned in the classroom while helping other young people take their first steps into the professional world - this was the dual challenge embraced by Maria Carreira and Adriana Madureira Leitão, Master’s students in Psychology of Human Resources Development at the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, when they took part in the “Speed Interviews” at Augusto Gomes High School, as part of the event “Designing Horizons and Charting Paths in Vocational Education”.
The initiative invited vocational students to experience something close to a real job interview. After a brief one-to-one conversation, each participant received personalised feedback, helping them to recognise their strengths and identify areas for improvement.
For Maria Carreira, the activity was “an enriching experience, allowing students to put themselves to the test in a context similar to a real interview, preparing them for internships and future entry into the job market.” She believes the opportunity had a visible impact on the young participants: “It was a moment that helped them develop communication skills, self-confidence and emotional management, fundamental aspects for their professional journey.”
Adriana Madureira Leitão also highlights the value of the experience, both for the students and for the Master’s candidates themselves. “I felt I was able to help students reflect on their path and understand what they do well and what they can still improve. It was very rewarding to see how receptive they were to feedback and how much they valued this exchange,” she explains.
Practical learning and real impact
Beyond its impact on the students, the “Speed Interviews” were also an opportunity to apply, in a real context, what is taught in the Master’s programme. “I was able to put into practice knowledge of Recruitment, Selection and Onboarding, from how to conduct an interview to how to give constructive feedback,” says Adriana. “At the same time, it was an exercise in self-awareness, helping me prepare better for my own internship interviews.”
Maria Carreira shares the same perspective: “Experiences like this allow us to test what we learn in theory and see to what extent we can apply those skills in real situations. It’s dynamic and meaningful learning that brings us closer to what we will do in the future.”
The students’ participation was encouraged by Filipa Sobral, coordinator of the Master’s in Psychology of Human Resources Development, who emphasises the fundamental role of these initiatives in the training of Católica students.
“We want our students to have contact with real contexts from an early stage. Only then can they consolidate what they learn and understand the impact their work can have on people and organisations. These experiences strengthen their preparation and make them more aware and well-rounded professionals,” she states.
The initiative took place on 24 October 2025
